Oklahoma City has a couple big games the next two days — against the Clippers on Wednesday night than a nationally televised game against the Warriors Thursday — but they will play those without Kendrick Perkins.

Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins has returned to Texas because of the passing of his grandfather and will miss the Thunder’s next two games, league sources told Yahoo Sports on Wednesday.

Our condolences go out to Perkins and his family on their loss.

Look for Steven Adams to get the start. The rookie has been cutting into Perkins minutes this season — and with good reason. When Perkins is on floor the Thunder offense drops 10.6 points per 100 possessions, which is pretty much off a cliff. If you’re saying he’s there for defense you’re right, and the defense improves 1.3 per 100 when Perkins plays. That still means the Thunder are 9.3 per 100 possessions better when Perkins sits.

Adams is -3.1 per 100 possessions on the floor (although his run rarely comes with the starters) which is not ideal certainly an improvement.

Adams will get tested by the athleticism of DeAndre Jordan and the physicality of Andrew Bogut the next couple games, it will be interesting to see how he responds.